Giorgos Katrugalos, MP for SYRIZA, a senior party functionary and former foreign minister in the Tsipras government, has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming May 21 elections.
Katrugalos, 60, who is also a lawyer and professor of public law, announced his withdrawal from the party on Thursday after saying social contributions for the self-employed could rise to 20% in a future SYRIZA government.
His statements provoked a sharp reaction not only from the New Democracy, but also from his own party, which categorically denied such plans, stating that this was the personal opinion of Katrugalos. It is clear that the party put pressure on him to withdraw from the race, as SYRIZA would not want to spoil relations with potential voters.
Recall that, as Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, he, under pressure from international creditors of Greece and the 3rd bailout program, passed a law that changed the position of pensioners, reducing the amount they would receive.
“I take full political responsibility for my statement yesterday and announce that I am withdrawing my candidacy from the elections,” Katrugalos announced on social media. “.
Katrugalos was the candidate for the northern precinct of Athens, ballots were printed and already sent to the polls. Even if he gets votes and becomes elected, he is expected to step down after taking the MP oath. Just in case he does get a large number of votes, it will certainly be a difficult dilemma for SYRIZA to resolve the issue.
However, because there is a lot of speculation that Sunday’s elections will not result in a victory with the necessary percentage to form a government, Katrugalos’ name will not be on the SYRIZA ballot in the second round of elections. Or not, depending on the agenda of the second round of elections…
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